Thinking about selling in Murray and not sure where to start with staging? You are not alone. In a market where buyers compare homes across Salt Lake County, the way your home looks online can make or break your listing. This guide gives you practical, Murray-focused tips to get your home photo-ready, show beautifully, and help you move with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why staging matters in Murray
Buyers in Murray often compare listings across nearby cities like Salt Lake City, Midvale, West Jordan, and Sandy. Strong photos and clean, inviting spaces help your home stand out and encourage more showings. Staging shapes how buyers feel about your home, which can reduce days on market and support stronger offers.
Utah’s four seasons also play a role. In winter, clear paths and bright interiors matter. In spring and summer, tidy, water-wise landscaping and usable outdoor areas make a real difference. Your goal is to help buyers imagine an easy lifestyle the moment they see your photos.
Declutter and depersonalize first
You want buyers to notice your space, not your stuff. Start by removing extra furniture to improve flow and make rooms feel larger. Clear kitchen and bathroom counters, stash everyday items, and pack away most family photos and personal collectibles.
Tidy closets to show off storage capacity. If you need extra space, consider a small storage unit or use the garage temporarily during the listing period. Clean thoroughly and address any odors or visible issues before you start styling.
Light every room well
Bright, even lighting helps both photos and showings. Replace dim bulbs with daylight-balanced LEDs within the fixture’s recommended wattage. Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting so each space feels warm and functional.
Open blinds and curtains to bring in natural light. Add floor or table lamps to darker corners and consider high-CRI bulbs to show true color. Make sure exterior lights work for twilight showings and evening photos.
Neutral updates that pop in photos
A fresh coat of paint in warm neutral colors is one of the best low-cost upgrades you can make. Small changes go far in photos: updated cabinet hardware, modern light fixtures, and refreshed faucets or towel bars can lift a room’s look. Clean or re-caulk grout lines in kitchens and baths.
Deep clean carpets and floors. If replacement is not in the budget, professional cleaning and a few well-placed area rugs often deliver better short-term ROI than major flooring projects before listing.
Prepare for photos first
Focus your energy on the rooms buyers notice most in photos: the kitchen, living room, primary bedroom, bathrooms, and both the front and back exteriors. On photo day, remove magnets, dish racks, pet bowls, trash bins, and visible cords.
If your budget allows, hire a professional real estate photographer. Well-lit, properly exposed images perform better online. Consider adding a 3D tour or video walkthrough for vacant or higher-priced listings. Virtual staging is a lower-cost option for empty homes, but make sure it is clearly disclosed per local norms and MLS rules.
Curb appeal for Utah seasons
Murray’s climate means curb appeal shifts with the season. In winter, keep snow and ice off driveways and walkways, and add simple planters or a clean welcome mat for a friendly entry. Good exterior lighting helps with late showings.
In spring and summer, trim trees and shrubs, clean up beds, and opt for tidy, water-efficient landscaping. Stage patios and porches with simple furniture so buyers picture how they will use the space. Keep the yard mowed, edged, and clutter-free throughout the listing.
Room-by-room priorities
Entry or foyer
Make it open and welcoming. Use a mirror to bounce light, add a neutral rug, and keep accessories minimal. A simple bench and a green plant are enough.
Living or family room
Arrange furniture to define a conversation area and highlight the focal point, such as a fireplace or view. Tuck away cables and minimize electronics. Keep shelves neat and lightly styled.
Kitchen
Clear counters to show workspace. Hide small appliances, remove items from the fridge door, and keep only a few clean accents like a bowl of fruit or a cookbook. Make sure cabinet doors and drawers close smoothly.
Primary bedroom
Use neutral bedding with a few layered textures. Remove heavy personal items and keep surfaces simple. If storage is a selling point, show off a well-organized closet.
Bathrooms
Swap worn curtains and mats for matching neutral sets. Use fresh white or light-colored towels for photos and showings. Clean grout and fixtures, and consider an updated mirror or light if the room looks dated.
Basement and secondary spaces
Stage finished basements as usable living areas, like a media room, office, or gym. For unfinished areas, keep them clean and clearly labeled for storage or mechanicals. The goal is to show function and potential.
DIY or hire a pro?
When DIY works
DIY staging can be a smart choice if you have the time and eye for design. It is ideal for occupied homes already in good condition. With a modest budget for paint, cleaning, minor repairs, and a small storage solution, you can make a strong impact.
When to hire a stager
A professional is often best for vacant homes that need furniture to show scale. High-end or competitive price points can also benefit from expert styling. If you are short on time or your agent recommends it for your goals, a stager can coordinate design, rentals, and installation.
Cost considerations
Most stagers offer a range of services. You can book a one-time consultation for room-by-room guidance, pay a styling fee for occupied-home staging with added accents, or rent furniture for vacant-home staging. Costs vary by company and inventory, so ask for itemized quotes that outline installation, delivery, monthly rental, removal, contract length, and insurance.
Measure the value
Work with your agent to compare staged and unstaged listings in Murray and greater Salt Lake County. Review days on market and offer strength to decide where staging will make the biggest difference. If you need to prioritize, focus on the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and exterior.
Your staging timeline
6 to 8 weeks before listing
- Interview agents and request referrals for staging and photography.
- Start whole-home decluttering and set up storage.
- Handle major repairs and any odor or maintenance issues.
- Schedule a deep clean.
3 to 4 weeks before listing
- Paint walls in warm neutrals where needed.
- Update key light fixtures or hardware if recommended.
- Stage priority rooms yourself or with a professional.
- Book professional photography and, if appropriate, a virtual tour.
Photo day and listing launch
- Remove pets and personal items. Clear surfaces and hide cords.
- Coordinate with your photographer for the best natural light.
- Ensure exteriors and walkways are clean and, in winter, cleared.
- Highlight staging in the listing description when appropriate.
While your home is on the market
- Keep rooms tidy and show-ready. Maintain curb appeal for the season.
- Be flexible with showings. Keep quick-clean supplies handy.
- Touch up paint and replace towels or flowers before busy weekends.
Next steps for Murray sellers
Staging does not have to be complicated. Start with decluttering, light, and neutral updates, then elevate with great photography and simple outdoor touches. If you want guidance tailored to your property and timeline, connect with a local, marketing-forward team that treats presentation as a core strategy.
Ready to plan your sale in Murray? Contact Nikole Andersen Real Estate for a complimentary market consultation. You will get clear guidance on where staging will deliver the most value, plus a plan for professional photos, video, and a smooth launch.
FAQs
Does home staging really pay off in Murray?
- Staging can help reduce days on market and improve buyer perception; results vary by price point and condition, but it is often a cost-effective way to broaden appeal quickly.
What personal items should I remove before listing?
- Pack away most personal photos and collections, clear counters, and edit closets to show storage, while keeping a few neutral accents so the home feels warm.
How long should I keep the house staged?
- Keep staging in place throughout active marketing; if you rent furniture, confirm installation and removal timing in your contract in case the home sells quickly.
Is virtual staging acceptable for Salt Lake County listings?
- Yes, it is a cost-effective option for vacant homes, but images should clearly disclose that they are digitally enhanced to align with local norms and MLS rules.
Which rooms should I stage if I am on a tight budget?
- Prioritize the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, bathrooms, and the front exterior since these areas drive first impressions and photos.
